Build on Polkadot

Polkadot is 100% open-source. Anyone can contribute to the codebase, run a node,
or build services on Polkadot. You can even get a grant.

Easily build a Polkadot parachain with Substrate

Build your application-specific blockchain with the Substrate framework now and easily connect it to Polkadot after launch.

Native Polkadot compatibility

Any blockchain built with Substrate will be natively compatible with Polkadot, so when the mainnet comes you can connect to Polkadot as a parachain.

Fork-free upgrades

Upgrade your blockchain without a hard fork. Your runtime is a Wasm binary stored on-chain and can be updated using your chain’s governance mechanism.

Plug-and-play modular framework

Substrate allows you to simply plug in the functionalities you need, while also giving you the freedom to customize as needed.

Interchain connectivity

By connecting your blockchain to Polkadot, your blockchain will be able to pass arbitrary messages to other chains in the Polkadot network.

Instant security

Simply by connecting your blockchain to Polkadot, your blockchain will be secured by Polkadot’s pooled security.

Multiple languages

With Substrate, you can write your blockchain logic in any language that can compile to WebAssembly (Rust, C/C++, C#, Go, etc).

Tools that come with Substrate

Polkadot Telemetry Service

Network information

Substrate and Polkadot UI

Built with React.js and RxJS

Substrate UI

Built with the Bonds oo7 library

Polkabot

Network monitoring and reporting

Polkascan

Blockchain data explorer and analytics

Polkawallet

Wallet for Polkadot assets

Start building your custom parachain with Substrate Substrate Developer Hub or learn more.
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Get a grant to build the Polkadot ecosystem

Polkadot is a brand new network with a burgeoning ecosystem. The Web3 Foundation is sponsoring community development of software services, including:

  • Development and deployment tooling (e.g. IDEs, parachain development kits)
  • Polkadot Runtime Modules (e.g. interoperability, governance)
  • Second layer protocols (e.g. dedicated parachains, state channels)
  • Monitoring (e.g. explorers)
  • Protocol integrations (e.g. bridges to other blockchains, distributed file storage)
See Grants and Bounties
Have a question about building on Polkadot? Ask in the Polkadot Chat